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Initial Thought: I really didn't know much going in. I knew the cast was enough to get my attention. It's mostly for Noomi Rapace if I must be honest. I also knew a little bit of the story and it sounded intriguing. Anyways other than that it's time to find out if it was worth the watch.
Characters/Acting: There are quite a few pretty well accomplished actors here whom I really enjoy. I noticed a lot of them have worked with each other before. Noomi Rapace and Tom Hardy played love interests before in The Drop. Joel Kinnaman and Gary Oldman were both in the Robocop film. Joel Kinnaman was also in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (the American remake of Noomi Rapace's movie). He was also in Daniel Espinosa's previous film Safe House with Fares Fares. I could go on and on about all the work they have done together, but that really doesn't explain this movie. Obviously the fact they worked together again proves they get along. Everyone here looks like they have excellent on-screen chemistry. All the characters are really interesting and well rounded. I do wish that some had a bit more screen time like Gary Oldman or the random inclusion of Charles Dance (not that seeing him was a bad thing). Vasili is such a complicated character whom I think Joel Kinnaman did an amazing job at portraying. I love Noomi Rapace and she is amazing here as usual. Everyone here does an excellent job of getting me emotionally attached to these characters.
Story: I thought the story was pretty interesting. It was a different kind of storytelling you don't normally see in movies like this. This movie has two interlocking major plots. I thought that the way it was presented was quite interesting and different. One weird thing I noticed may have been the fault of the make up department or something. I saw a small cut or something on Gary Oldman's forehead in one scene and the next time you see him it's gone. Later in the movie though you can see it again. Either they thought no one would notice or they didn't care to fix it during editing. It doesn't take away from the movie it's just a small thing that irked me. I really like how everything was paced and the way it all connected. Some parts of the story were really intense and brutal while in other areas it was a nice blend of emotions. The tone here is pretty dark and a few times I felt kind of on nerves through some scenes. It had a few decent twists. I really loved the end which proves that the harsh world we live in still has parts that we can adore.
Directing/Writing: I have only seen this and Safe house from Daniel Espinosa and they are both highly enjoyable. He did a wonderful job here with of course the help of some major players. I haven't read anything from the author of the book, but if they are like this one I might check them out. The writer is also someone I have never heard of, but he did an excellent job here working with two plots. If this is what these guys can dish out. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for them and watching anything I have missed from the past.
Final Thought: This was a very well done experience. The characters are well rounded and portrayed quite well. It really gets your attention and holds it. I highly recommend checking this one out.
